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Madigan Jury Concludes Third Day of Deliberations With No Verdict Reached

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CHICAGO — The trial of Michael Madigan, former Illinois House speaker, has yet to reach a conclusion as the jury deliberated for a third consecutive day without arriving at a verdict. Madigan, a dominant figure in Illinois politics for decades, faces charges of racketeering, bribery, and extortion, among others. The former speaker, who served for nearly 50 years, is accused of orchestrating a series of schemes to enrich himself and bolster his political machine. At the heart of the trial is the accusation that Madigan, now 80, leveraged his power to illicitly gain personal and … Read more

Andhra Pradesh’s Traditional Etikoppaka Toys Earn Top Honors at Republic Day Parade

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GUNTUR, India — Andhra Pradesh’s traditional craft, represented by the ancient art of ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu’ (eco-friendly wooden toys), received nationwide acclaim, winning third prize in the jury category at the Republic Day parade held in Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on January 26, 2025. This marks a historical moment for the state as it garners this accolade for the first time in three decades, a significant recognition announced by the Ministry of Defence. The tableau that stole the spotlight was an embodiment of the state’s rich cultural tapestry, spotlighting the 400-year-old toy-making tradition from the small … Read more

Andhra Pradesh’s Etikoppaka Toy Tableau Wins Prestigious Award at 76th Republic Day Parade

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New Delhi, India – The Andhra Pradesh government’s display of traditional handicrafts won accolades during the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. Showcasing Etikoppaka toys, the tableau received the third prize in a juried competition, marking the state’s first win in this category in three decades. Etikoppaka toys, known for their vibrant non-toxic colors and traditional crafting methods, were the central theme of the tableau. The Andhra Pradesh tableau not only celebrated these unique toys but also highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the state. Featuring prominently were a statue of Lord Ganesha at … Read more

Federal Judge Overturns Trump’s Spending Freeze, Restoring Order After Turbulent Day

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In a swift legal reversal, a federal judge has halted the implementation of a government-wide spending freeze directed by former President Donald Trump, which had only been in effect for one harrowing day. The freeze led to widespread confusion and disruptions across various federal departments. The judge’s decision, issued late Friday, underscored concerns about the legality of the blanket suspension of funds, which had not undergone usual Congressional scrutiny. Critics of the freeze had rapidly voiced their concerns, arguing that it jeopardized essential public services and posed immediate harm to the delivery of federal programs. … Read more